James L. Johnson Sr. (USAF Retired)
James Leo Johnson Sr. passed away on April 28th, 2017 at his house in Omaha, surrounded by family members. He was born in Selma,
Alabama to John H. Johnson and Mary Tommie Hoddin. He grew up on a farm near Selma and attended several rural schools. After graduating from Albert G. Parish High School he entered the Army Air Corp at the age of 16 in 1947, which was later changed to U S Air Force. He worked as aircraft maintenance crew chief, flight chief engineer, line chief and first sergeant with General Curtis LeMay while assigned to various
military bases overseas and in the USA.
Jim married in 1950 to Caroline Svacina of Omaha, NE. They raised four children: Diane Micek, James Jr (Charlene) Johnson, Michael
Johnson and Kathleen (Kevin) Van Den Top. He proudly served his
country until his retirement in 1967, as Senior Master Sergeant. In 1973 he opened B&J Marine center in Bellevue, NE, then in 1978 started working at the US Postal Service, retiring there in 1988.
In 1999 Caroline passed away. The two had numerous
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2000 he married Catharine Lawless Jones, together they made their home in Omaha, enjoying
playing golf and taking trips.
Jim always had a sense of humor, telling jokes while being kind and considerate of others. He enjoyed fishing, camping, walks and
computers.
He has fond memories of his childhood like riding horses and cows through cotton and cornfields, building log rafts to ride down creeks, or raising animals to sell for a profit.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lawrence “Bubba” who was killed in France during WWII, John and Wade, their sister
Doris, all who passed in Alabama. Another sister Mary Tommie Howden who’s where about is unknown.
He is survived by nephew Wade and wife Shirley Johnson of Eclectic. Alabama and their family members.